best adventures in provence tour ... - best france · pdf filetrveller us toy te ... was warm...

Off the Beaten Path celebrates 24 years in 2018 offering guided small group luxury walking and gourmet foodie tours to

France WEBSITE - httpswwwtraveloffthebeatenpathcom

Our most popular small group tour Best Adventures in Provencereg fittingly named for its exceptional adventurous and active itinerary takes guests beyond tourist hot spots to discover the very best of this sun drenched and historically rich southern French region Our Provence Tour is a fully guided walking and gourmet foodie experience traveling along the back roads of the beautiful countryside of south-ern France and is led by UNSECO award winning guides who are professional culinary wine Provence history and walking specialists

Voted one of the BEST Tour companies in Europe and the world by leading travel magazines Off the Beaten Path leads the tour industry in small group luxury walking tour travel with its Best Adventures in Provencereg Tour Our Provence Tour itinerary dazzles travelers of all backgrounds and interests seeking an authentic and active France cultural experience Our specialty is small group tour travel in France and we concentrate on ensuring that our focus on travel exclusively in France remains our priority

France is our sole focus and Specialty and we know France BEST We ONLY offer exclusive small group luxury tour travel in France and have been leading tours in Provence France for more than 2 Decades

During this award winning 6-day5-night small group Tour discover the hidden gems and best kept secrets of this colorful region that we call home Thanks to our expertise and long standing relationships and presence in Provence guests travel in style through the south of France discovering villages and historical sites walk-ing Provence country trails cooking in a private Provence Farm home kitchen dining daily as a group of friends with our local Provence partners who are both ce-lebrity professionals and personal family friends Our local Provence friends look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to their private homes restaurants and workshops and are eager to share their Provence with you through specially organized private experiences that are available only to Off the Beaten Path guests Witness vibrantly colored landscapes of lavender sunflowers and poppies in season and participate in spectacular walks and daily excursions and ac-tivities touring and discovering the 4 BEST and most beautiful areas of Provence --Alpilles Luberon Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Mediterranean coast-- through our eyes and those of our Provence friends a very personalized experience unlike any other We use our longstanding friendships excellent reputation and presence in the Provence region to create itineraries full of fun memorable experiences that yoursquoll remember long after returning home

ExpEriEncE inspiring itinErariEs - ExcEptional Quality - ExcEllEnt ValuE

Off the Beaten Path France Tours are Recommended by Best Sell-ing Author PJ Adams as her TOUR OF CHOICE to Discover the Provence Region Traveling on an Off the Beaten Path small group cultural walking and foodie tour provides exceptional and privileged insider experiences at unparalleled value that multi-destination and other France tour companies cannot match

- FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH has recently partnered with trUstpilOt an independent review website to collect ldquoindependentrdquo traveler reviews about our tours of Provence Loire Valley Bordeaux and Champagne

Read candid ldquoindependent ldquo tour reviews TRUSTPILOT TOUR REVIEWS

bull Our sole focus and specialty is and always has been dedicated to small group travel in France ndash We KnoW FRANCE Bestbull In 2018 we celebrate 24 years experience leading tours exclusively in France

bull Our exclusive relationships with every one of our vendors in France makes these tours truly the trip of a lifetime

bull The most popular small group tours in France we include ldquoinsiderrdquo experiences that other tour companies cannot offer

bull Our tours sell out year after year thanks to our exclusive benefits exceptional quality and excellent value

bull We are proud to be named travelers 1 choice for group travel for two decades

Book one of our small group tours today to discover for yourself why our exclusive France tours have been named travelers 1

chOice fOr grOUp travel fOr twO decades WEBSITE - httpswwwtraveloffthebeatenpathcom

WHAT DOES THIS TOUR FEATURE Our small grOup prOvence trips are designed fOr and cater tO bOth WalKers and nOn-WalKers aliKe and feature a lOt Of flexibility OptiOns and freedom daily to choose what you would like to do each day and how active you would like to be each day Participate in every activity and walk or pick and choose to participate in only those activities of interest to you Our walks are scenic leisure walks through the French countryside and are designed to appeal to walkers of all walking and interest levels We also allocate time for photo-op stops - We think itrsquos important for guests to have opportunities to take photos of beautiful flower fields local landscapes and other spectacular sites and scenes of Provence throughout our 6-day small group Provence Tour

With 3 full-time Off the beaten path staff membersguides per tOur alOng With Our dedicated lOcal On-site staff We are able tO guarantee the highest level Of flexibility and quality custOmer service during each tOur While alsO ensuring exceptiOnal value in Our tOur prices

-- COME DISCOVER THE 4 BEST AREAS OF PROVENCE -- the alpilles luberOn chateauneuf-du-pape and mediterranean cOast

WHO IS THIS TOUR DESIGNED FOR nO experience necessaryOur Provence Tours are designed for active travelers interested in an authentic personalized small group Provence travel expe-

rience that includes flexibility a variety of engaging activities and excursions many daily options for BOTH walkers amp NON-

walkers alike leisure time to pursue independent interests professional and knowledgeable tour guides deluxe historical ac-

commodations and sumptuous gourmet meals accompanied by classified regional wines throughout the trip Every day offers a

new Provenccedilal gourmet experience for ldquoFoodiesrdquo Itrsquos vacation and Off the Beaten Path tours are all about taking the slow road

having fun enjoying new experiences the finest local cuisine and wines having options and being active

A ward Winning OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOURS

VOTED 1 BEST ACTIVE SMALL GROUP TOURS IN FRANCE FOR

DISCERNING TRAVELERS BY CONDE NAST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FORBES

CNN TRAVELLER USA TODAY THE NEW YORK TIMES and TRAVEL amp LEISURE

Provence GUEST TESTIMONIALS

ldquoWe always love the cooking classes on your tours because theyrsquore both informa-tive and lots of fun The meals were excellent as always And another of the many reasons why we come on your tours the ldquoGuiderdquo who made our Provence trip very special was warm and delightful as the sunshine of Provence We love how everyone everywhere we go is always so happy to see you and welcome us complete strangers to their homes and open up their homes to share a part of their French life with us Wersquove taken other small group walking tours with other companies BUT then we found your Off the Beaten Path trips and once we found you that was it for us You offer the verY Best trips in the travel marKet You truly do no other company even comes close in comparison We have NEVER been dis-appointedAnd although we had already done a Provence walking trip with an-other company about six years ago we wanted to come back to Provence just to be able to come back with you Thanks for everythingrdquo Charles and Susan Kol-lar Princeton New Jersey - (Have been on 3 OTBP Tours - Best Adventures in Provence Tour Loire Valley Tour Bordeaux Harvest Tour)

ldquoWe loved your consideration to stop for so many photo ops throughout the beautiful countryside The St Remy market the cooking classes hotel and al l of the restaurants were fabulous It was wonderful meeting you Thank you for a wonderful t ime in Provence See you on your Bordeaux tour next t imerdquo Larry and Lyn Christenson Palo Alto CA (Provence Tour)

Come enjoy authentiC Provence experienCes --

the tOur price includesbull Fully Guided sightseeing walks excursions and cultural visits throughout the tour by professional Off the Beaten Path LLC (OTBP) Company Tour

Guides OTBP Guides are UNESCO award winners contributors to Provence Travel Guidebooks and are accomplished authors OTBP Tour guides are professional France history and Provence-specific history specialists who make learning the tidbits gossip anecdotes and stories of France fun and memorable throughout the tour

bull 5 nights mdash NO HOTEL HOPPING mdash at CONDE NAST recommended boutique Hotel Gounod in historical St Remy de Provence and is owned and operated by our personal friend Karine

bull 2018 - 11 Meals Included ndash 5 breakfasts 3 lunches 3 dinnersbull 2019 - 11 Meals Included ndash 5 breakfasts 3 lunches 3 dinnersbull All premium wines and non-alcoholic beverages at group mealsbull Entryparticipation fees for activities and excursions detailed in the itinerarybull Roundtrip transfers on Day 1 and Day 6 of the tour Day 1 ndash Transfer provided from Marseille Airport at 130 pm and from Avignon TGV rail station

at 4 pm Day 6 ndash Transfer provided to Marseille Airport for 9 am arrival and to Avignon TGV rail station for NOON arrival followed by drop-off at Avignon Centre station on Day 6

bull Bottled water provided dailybull All ground transportation throughout the tourbull ndashCOMFORT ZONEndash Designed for the interests of and to appeal to BOTH WALKERS amp NON-WALKERS alike mdash the Active and Occasional Walker

and travelers of all ability levels If yoursquore not a walker at all enjoy shuttling to all activities excursions and meals on our comfortable 18-seater air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinters

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE ndash International airfare tofrom France airfaretrain fare to the starting point to begin the tour at Avignon TGV rail sta-tion or Marseille airport one lunch two dinners personal purchases

Authentic Provence Experiences Spend 6 days experiencing Provence like family friends going beyond tourist hotspots to meet and spend time with some of Francersquos best loved and highly recognized artisans chefs and winery owners who are our family friends and welcome you to their workshops kitchens and family homes for authentic and fun French experiences unlike any other We have established proprietary relationships with All Chefs restaurants and bistrots on ALL of our tours based on both our exclusive and privileged network of contacts and French friends and our outstanding reputation throughout France All Chefs restaurants and bistrots selected for our tours are Michelin-star andor have been featuredrecom-mended by top ldquofoodierdquo magazines andor fellow Michelin-star Chefs and are family or long time friends We dine in both gourmet restaurants and our favorite hide-a-ways cherished by the locals

Provence TOURS FEATURE (in detail continued)Lots of options avaiLabLe daiLy for aLL traveLers (WaLkers and non-WaLkers aLike)

BOTH LONG AND SHORT WALKING TRAIL OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL WALKS

PROVENCE TOUR WALKS ARE RATED AS FOLLOWS

WALK No 1 Guided walk ndash ldquoHidden Gems of Provencerdquo walk is rated EASY (optional designed for inter-ested guests) Walking on country trails through picturesque landscapes featuring olive orchards and biody-namic vineyards along the ldquoLa Via Domitiardquo (Roman road) and French country architecture with beautiful village scenery St Paul de Mausole sites painted by Van Gogh and the Roman city of Glanum Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis Walk distance is 4 miles ndash approximately 15 hrs depending on photo-op stops

WALK No 2 Guided walk ndash ldquoLuberon Valley Village to Villagerdquo walk in the Luberon region of Provence is rated EASY to MODERATE (optional designed for interested guests) Walking on vineyard and country trails through picturesque lansdcapes and French country architecture lavender and sunflower fields with a variety of beautiful villages in the background Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis Walk distance is about 6 miles ndash approximately 2-25 hrs depending on photo-op stops Added note during lAvender seAson (June July August) - WALKERS Our morning Luberon village to village walk is replaced by our morning trail walk through picturesque lavender fields and villages of the Valensole plateau instead and the same walking rating applies NON-WALKERS shuttle to lavender fields to experience and photograph the endless fields of lavender

WALK No 3 Guided Walk ndash ldquoCHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ndash Amidts the Vineyards Walkrdquo- is rated EASY to MODERATE (optional designed for interested guests) Sturdy walking shoes recommended Walking on vineyard and country trails with occasional easy ascents and uneven terrain with large gravel stones and clay soil The trail offers spectacular views of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards ndash The walk is rated moderate-Ideal for those who walk on a regular basis Walk distance is 6 miles ndash approximately 2-25 hrs of walking depending on photo-op stops

WALKERS ndash Van support is provided for walks to offer maximum flexibility to all guests You decide how much walking yoursquod like to do if participating in our walks

NON-WALKERS Are shuttled tofrom all activities excursions meals visits NON-Walker rating = EASY

day 1 meet at avignOn tgv statiOn Or marseille airpOrt - transfer tO hOtel checK-in WelcOme cOcKtail hOur dinner tO-gether - d TOUR BEGINS AND ENDS - Group transfer is included tofrom Avignon TGV Rail Station and Marseille Airport on Day 1 and Day 6 of the Tour

DAY 1 TRANSFER -- We provide a complimentary 130 pm transfer from Marseille Air-port and a complimentary 4 pm transfer from AVIGNON TGV Rail Station Transfer as a group to our luxury historical hotel in the heart of the Gallo-Roman village town of St Remy-de-Provence

COCKTAILS amp WELCOME DINNER Yoursquore invited to join your guides for our welcome cocktail hour and dinner at our favorite celebrity hide-a-way made famous

by Cookbook Author Patricia Wells - Dinner dress is resort chic Yoursquoll partake of your 1st

taste of Provence specialties prepared by one of our favorite chefs of the region accompa-nied by classified regional Provence wines

Provence Itinerary - best adventures in prOvence WalKing amp gOurmet indulgence

day 2 les alpilles - chOcOlate arts amp craft marKet and mOrehighlights persOnalized private tOUr and chOcOlate tasting with OUr lOcal wOrld famOUs ldquochOcOlatierrdquo (chOcOlate-maker) at his artisan chOcOlate wOrkshOp gUided tOUr and shOpping at the st remy de prOvence artisan amp craft market grOUp lUnch select an OptiOn - 1-hidden gems village walk (walkers) 2-gUided tOUr st paUl de maUsOle visit glanUm Or les BaUx-de-prOvence 3-leisUre time (nOn-walkers) dinner On Own - B l

BreaKFast AWARD WINNING ARTISAN CHOCOLATE-MAKER TOUR amp TASTING AND ST REMY-DE-PROVENCE ARTISAN amp CRAFTS MARKET MORNING -- Artisan Chocolate Workshop tour amp tasting and St Remy-de-Provence Mar-ket You start your morning with a personalized private tour and chocolate tasting with our lo-cal World Famous ldquoChocolatierrdquo (chocolate-maker) at his Artisan Chocolate Workshop After-wards continue on to enjoy the morning perusing and shopping at the weekly market in the town that inspired some of Van Goghrsquos most famous art work St Remy reflects the heart and soul of Provence Market day in town is a must for any stay in Provence Our cultural guides pro-vide a guided tour of the market before guests set off for free time to shop at their own pace

AFTERNOON SELECT AN OPTION BELOW mdash

OPTION NO 1 ndash PARTICIPATE IN A GUIDED WALK mdash VAN GOGH IN PROVENCE mdash ldquoHidden GeMs of provenCerdquo WaLk ndash Yoursquoll stroll through the countryside taking in the sites and smells that make Provence so mystical and magical and learn fun facts about local history that make St Remy-de-Provence a true gem Yoursquoll walk ldquoLa Via Dolmitiardquo the first Roman road built in Gaul to link Italy and Hispania through Gallia Narbonensis across what is now southern France with the most spectacular views of the Roman city of Glanum Along our path experience in person many of the sites painted by Van Gogh during his year of confinement at the hospital Olive orchards and vineyards of the AOC Les Baux de Provence dominate also your path to complement this unique walk Plus itrsquos a great way to walk off those fabulous foodie calories Photo-ops all along your walk are endless

OPTION NO 2 ndash SHUTTLE TOFROM ST PAUL DE MAUSOLE amp GLANUM - VAN GOGH IN PROVENCE Embark into the world of Van Gogh with one of your OTBP guides who is a specialist on Van Gogh his life art and presence in Provence for a privately guided tour of St Paul de Mausole Hospital where Van Gogh spent a year confined in the menrsquos pavillon During this privately guided tour yoursquoll imagine life as it was for Van Gogh witness the landscapes he painted while confined and learn rare information of the role his brother played in his daily life A walk through the spectacular gardens completes our exclusive Van Gogh experience

AFTERWARDS Opt to also visit the Roman city of GLANUM next door or visit LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE

OPTION NO 3 ndash enjoy tHe afternoon at LeisUre to explore more of this picturesque Provence gem of a town shop for souvenirs and local artisan products or pick-up any ldquomust have Provence goodiesrdquo Enjoy a drink at a local cafeacute and people watch and simply enjoy the local ambiance DINNER Independently this evening - try one of St Remyrsquos local establishments We have a list of recommended places -- some offering bonuses for our guests

LUNCH Together at our favorite gourmet bistrots

day 3 the luberOn - artist hilltOp villages Of the luberOn

artist hilltOp villages Of the lUBerOn made famOUs By peter mayle chOOse OptiOn walkers- gUided ldquolUBerOn

village tO village walkrdquo and dUring lavender seasOn (JUne-aUgUst) OUr village tO village walk is re-

placed By OUr lavender trail walk Of the valensOle plateaU fOr nOn-walkers- gUided visits in hill-

tOp villages (dUring lavender seasOn visit lavender fieldsperched villages) french picnic phOtO-Op stOps amp wine

tasting at celeBrity winery - B l d

BreaKFast

MORNING - CHOOSE AN OPTION - Wersquoll visit the Luberon Valley and its perched villages of GORDES and ROUSSILLON and during lavender season wersquoll visit the Valensole plateau the lavender capital and its endless laven-der fields plus a family operated lavender and essential oils distillery Yoursquoll shuttle to Gordes village from where yoursquoll embark on your dayrsquos adventure by SELECTING AN OPTION BELOW

OPTION NO 1 - MORNING -- Morning -- Awaken your senses today during our spectacular guided ldquoLuberon Valley Village to Villagerdquo WALK The Luberon countryside is absolutely beautiful witincredible often unex-pected variety of ladnscapes and architecture and offers the perfect setting for a golden walking experience unlike any other Ancient bories a Roman oppidium old mills a 700-year old chapel a truffle farm and charming vil-lages connect the dots along this unique walking trail Also famous for its vineyard and lavender covered countryside walking through the Luberon offers photo opportunities of spectacular colors of lavender poppies and sunflowers (in season) and scenery that will completely contrast your ex-periences in the Alpilles and along the Mediterranean coast Enjoy time to discover and visit Gordes and Roussillon villages pre- and post walk

PLEASE NOTE During lavender season (June July August) - Walkers Our morning Luberon village to village walk is replaced by our morning trail walk through picturesque lavender fields and villages of the Valensole plateau instead and the same walking rating applies Non-Walkers shuttle to lavender fields to experience and photograph the endless fields of lavender

OPTION NO 2 - Shuttle from village to village where you enjoy privately guided tours of and free time to explore two of the most beautiful perched villages in the picturesque ldquoLuberonrdquo area of Provence made famous by Peter Maylersquos books A Year in Provence and A Good Year - Roussillon and Gordes villages

GORDES VILLAGE one of the most stunning of the perched villages of Provence appears like an Atlantis surrounded by glorious vineyards fruit orchards and fields of flowers and grains instead of ocean To one side looms the massif of Mount Ventoux the Olympus of Provence to the other the pastoral whale-back of Mount Luberon The breadth and height of this region balance in utter seren-ity in Gordes The viewpoint at our first stop perches us dizzyingly at a canyonrsquos edge across from which the village could be mistaken for a masonery version of an anthill - the golden colors and ancient architecture complement the colorful valley below

ROUSSILLON VILLAGE the canto of color holds a mythical story of a lover a murder and the suicide of the faithful bereft near and dear that describes how the name of the village honors a redhead The romance colors of the very ground and reddish walls of the buildings that line its winding streets are something from a fairytale During lavender season we finish our day in Roussillon

LUNCH A lighter fare Gourmet French picnic together amidst spectacular land-scapes of the Luberon Valley Our picnic is comprised of specialty and region-al products and cuisine traditional to Provence accompanied by a selection of classified regional wines including Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Crozes-Hermitage wines (picnic is for entire group - both walkers and non-walkers)

AFTERNOON - Year Round Visit a local family owned and operated Lavender Distillery followed by return to the hotel in St Remy-de-ProvenceEARLY EVENING at Leisure on return to the hotel

DINNER A gourmet Michelin-Star dinner together prepared by another of our favorite Chefs and our family friend Christian

Lots oF Laughs good times and Fun in

Provence

day 4 mediterranean cOast - the terraced village Of cassis intrOdUctiOn tO cassis village shOp at the market and specialty BOUtiqUes visit at artisan ldquoperfUmeryrdquo artisan pastis tasting phOtO-Ops in the village 45 minUte crUise tO view histOrical calanqUes (rOman rUin fJOrds) pastis tasting amp fOOdie specialties leisUre time dinner On Own - B

BreaKFast

CASSIS - A DAY ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST - CALANQUES VIEWING CRUISE amp OTHER OPTIONS On arrival in Cassis your guides introduce you to the village after which you have the opportunity to shop at the morning market and village shops Wersquoll spend a full day in the picturesque Mediterra-nean coastal wine producing village of Cassis France This spectacular coastal village dates back to 500 BC is surrounded by vineyards and bordered by the Mediterranean sea colorful cliffs and beach Stroll through this art deco style villagersquos pedestrian streets for photo-ops of the colorful port historical architecture and beautiful vineyard covered coastline Itrsquos market day also in Cassis and coastal markets offer a completely differ-ent experience to that of inland Provence Peruse the stands taste artisan products and photograph the colorful stands and products on offer

CULTURAL TOUR - Whether yoursquove heard the stories about the origin of French per-fume creation or not we highly recommend not to miss visiting one of the French Riv-ierarsquos oldest and most famous artisan ldquoperfumeryrdquo with your OTBP cultural guide

LATE MORNING - Embark on a scenic 45 minute boat tour of the historical Mediter-ranean calanques These Roman ruins protrude into the Mediterranean Sea with grace and transform the Mediterranean coast into a work of art for onlookers

FAMOUS FRENCH PASTIS - After the cruise join your guides to enjoy a very local ex-perience tasting several of the famous French Pastis and local foodie specialties with our dear friend Roger LUNCH Independently along the Mediterranean coast of Cassis Try one of our rec-ommendations and enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance

Cassis aCtivity options avaiLaBLe -

bull Embark on a scenic 45 minute boat tour of the historical Calanques (Roman ruin fjords) bull Explore amp shop at the weekly market and at the village specialty boutiques bull For interested guests join your cultural guide for a tour at one of the French Rivierarsquos oldest and

most famous artisan ldquoperfumeryrdquobull Enjoy a Pastis Tasting with local foodie specialtiesbull Wine taste in the local wine shopsbull Explore the historic streets photograph this colorful Mediterranean coastal villagebull Try a glass of Cassis wine while people watching at a local cafe along the port bull Some guests may also wish to swim andor sunbath at the local beach

DINNER Independently this evening - try one of St Remyrsquos local establishments We have a list of recommended places -- some offering bonuses for our guests

BreaKFast MORNING - Begin your morning in Chateauneuf-du-Pape In Provence as well as in the entire country of France itrsquos no secret that wine is a daily staple at meals Today our wine hosts welcome you to discover one of Francersquos best loved wine producing appellations

SELECT AN OPTION Yoursquoll shuttle to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and select one of the op-tions below to begin to begin your dayrsquos adventure

OPTION NO 1 ndash ldquoCHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AMIDST THE VINEYARDS WALKrdquo Walk beautiful trails of this historically famous wine region through the vineyards ending with the best view of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhone River as you descend into the village Our walk takes us to the historic site of the former summer residence of the Popes and surrounding vineyards Its unique soil of rounded river stones and pebbles provides this papal land with a beautiful flora and fauna

OPTION NO 2 ndash Join your OTBP cultural guide for a privately guided tour of ORANGE to visit the Roman theatre and explore this off the beaten path townrsquos historic sites After-wards shuttle to Chateauneuf-du-Pape village to meet up with the walkers in the group for our wine tasting excursion and lunch at our 13th century wine cellar

LATE MORNING ndash BOTH walkers and non-walkers are invited to one of the most famous historical wine cellars (13th century) of the region owned by our local French friends for a private wine tasting amp introduction to the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines (both red and the RARE white) ndash you are exclusive guests at their restored 13th Century Wine Cellar French are very proud of their world-renowned reputation as the country of ldquosavoir-fairerdquo in wine-making And our local friends enjoy opening their estate to welcome you

LunCh mdashTHE ENTIRE GROUP mdash A fabulous privately hosted Provence lunch together prepared by our Friend a Michelin-Star Chef at our friendrsquos 13th century Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate

REMAINDER OF AFTERNOON at leisure on our return to the Hotel

DAY 5 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE -

Highlights Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amidst the Vineyards Walk (walkers) Cultural Visits in ORANGE (non-walkers) Chateauneuf-

du-Pape Wine Excursion amp Privately Hosted Lunch at 13th Century Wine Cellar For Entire Group (Most Beautiful View over

the Rhone Valley) Evening Cooking Class OR Cultural Visit of ARLES ROMAN RUINS for NON-Cooking Guests - B L D

EARLY EVENING ndash SELECT AN OPTION ndash (1) COOKING CLASS OR (2) CULTURAL TOUR (ARLES ROMAN RUINS) ndashShuttle to cooking class early evening Once arrived at cooking class guests select their option ndash participate in our fun hands-on cooking class with our Chef a family friend or participate in a guided cultural visit with your cultural guide

OPTION NO 1 ndash COOKING CLASS ndash Cooking class takes place at the family home of our Chefrsquos estate in the beautiful Provence countryside Our dear friend and Master Chef has been featured in gourmet and culinary shows and magazines worldwide A humble and happy chef whose passion for cooking and sharing that passion in a fun and easy-going relaxed en-vironment welcomes us into her private home workshop during each of our Best Adventures in Provence Tours Our chef loves welcoming us at home for a fun hands-on cooking experience unlike any other that one might experience in the region

During class you learn about local Provence cuisine put your hands to work chopping slic-ing and dicing and are privy to learning the secrets of Provence recipes while preparing a traditional southern three course dinner After yoursquove finished letrsquos sip some champagne and fabulous wines together in the garden along with a gourmet meal of the recipes prepared to-gether in class

The focus of class is to have fun while learning about traditional Provence cuisine Itrsquos lots of fun and an authentic French experience spending time with our Chef in a French family home

No Experience NecessaryOPTION NO 2 ndash CULTURAL VISIT ndash If yoursquore opting out of the actual cooking portion of cooking class in order to participate in another guided cultural visit -- yoursquoll enjoy a privileged visit with a privately guided insider tour led by your OTBP cultural guide at the Roman Ruins in Arles Following the cultural visit and photo ops tofrom your visit in Arles yoursquoll return to our chefrsquos family home to join the rest of the group for a gourmet dinner of recipes fellow travelers prepared in class

dinner - THE ENTIRE GROUP mdash Dine as VIP guests at our celebrity Chefrsquos table for our farewell dinner of the recipes prepared in cooking class with regional wines from our Chefrsquos private cellar Time to celebrate a fun and fabulous week in Authentic Provence

day 6 t O u r c O n c l u s i O n g r O u p d r O p - O f f a t a v i g n O n t g v s t a t i O n - b

BreaKFast Trip concludes today -- Group transfer is included tofrom Avignon TGV Rail Station and Marseille Airport on Day 1 and Day 6 of the TourDAY 6 TRANSFER -- We provide a complimentary 9 AM drop-off arrival at Marseille Airport and a complimentary 12 pm (Noon) drop-off arrival at AVIGNON TGV Rail Station followed by drop-off at Avignon Centre rail station

(b) = breaKfast included (l) = lunch included (d) = dinner included

- FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH has recently partnered with

trUstpilOt an independent review website to collect ldquoindependentrdquo traveler reviews about

our tours of Provence Loire Valley Bordeaux and Champagne


PROVENCE GUEST TestimonialbOb amp susan hOrn gave Off the beaten path llc 5 starsa WeeK in prOvence Our delightful adventure

When my wife and I decided that it was time for us to visit the south of France we knew that if we tried to do it on our own we would miss out on too many experiences that we might enjoy if we only had some guidance But we didnrsquot like the idea of the standard sort of tours that wersquod read about with large groups and rigid itineraries and name tags ndash feeling like wersquore being herded around with a bunch of strangers We wanted some-thing different but we didnrsquot know if it existed It does After spending a great deal of time researching tours and looking at travel options for the south of France we began seeing comments here and there about someone named Christy Destremau and the tour company that she built and owns Off the Beaten Path Tours We were immedi-ately drawn to the OTBP offering both for the interesting tour locations visited and the daily outings that combine walking great food and education about the local customs

Once we initially discovered Christy and her company we did more digging and found that Christy doesnrsquot just have fans she has devotees That doesnrsquot come by accident ndash it only comes when it has been earned and if you choose an Off the Beaten Path tour Irsquom confident that yoursquoll agree that she has earned this sort of following We had flexible vacation schedules and since one of our hopes was to see the famous lavender fields in bloom I emailed Christy to ask about the best time of year to see the lavender She responded quickly with a range of tour dates and we booked the tour right in the middle of the range Right from the first meeting of our tour guide Phillipe we knew we made the right choice Phillipe picked us up at the train station and imme-diately made us feel at home even carrying my wifersquos suitcase up to our room Over the 5 days of our tour we learned so much from guides David and Phillipe about the local foods the history of the area and the FrenchOccitane customs Every meal was a new experience We had a picnic in a park one day where we dined on Charcuterie and fruits purchased at a local market fresh cherries that we picked from a tree that morning and wonderful wine We had an incredible dinner at a Michelin star restaurant There was lunch at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean There was another lunch one day at a restaurant sort of in the middle of nowhere where the roast chicken that was our main course redefined my understanding of what chicken should taste like (and I promise I am not exaggerating) The 13th century restored wine cellar in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region was incredible (especially since my wife and I both love to drink Chateauneuf-du-Pape) And the private lunch at the wine cellar prepared for us by our dedicated chef We chose to do the walks each day and saw some incredibly gorgeous countryside and of course the blooming lavender fields which was a highlight of the trip But for those who wanted less walking there was a private bus available to provide alternate destinations and activities on any given day Our hotel in Saint Remy was perfectly located in town a fun eclectic historic building It was easy to get to restaurants and shops during our free time We also really enjoyed market day in St Remy the fresh produce was so beautiful Sophie at the hotel was truly a gem - her breakfast service was so cheerful and the multiple varieties of croissants and other bread ndash along with the fresh fruit and little glass half pints of yogurt that were served at the hotel each morning - was unbelievably delicious

The group size for OTBP tours is limited to 16 Irsquove read of one of the major tour companies that brags that they keep their tours small and personal by ldquolimiting the group size to 30rdquo I have to say that we loved the trip we loved our guides and we loved the South of France We hope to return often and soon Thank you to Christy and the entire Off the Beaten Path crew for giving us such wonderful memories

We asKed sOme Of Our guests frOm Our prOvence tOurs - ldquoWOuld yOu recOmmend Our prOvence tOur tO a friend Or family and Whyrdquo

THEIR RESPONSES

ldquoYES We will enthusiastically recommend this trip to friends and family It is great to be with tour guides who are smart well informed and eager to see that we are having a great experience We enjoyed everything about this trip Hotel and meals were outstanding The thing we enjoyed the most was the congenial attitude created by the guides and driver It was so easy to be with everyone Every day was different different experiences different locations and very magical This has been an outstanding experience and we surely would want to share it with people that we care about Merci Beaucoup How did you manage to put together such a great group of guestsrdquo ndashJORDAN amp ANITA WALDMAN SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA (referred to the tour by guests Ralph and Sandy Mayer-their feedback below)

ldquoYES We loved our attentive hard working guides the varied and well chosen activities The accommodations are very high quality and the food from the cooking class bistrot and dinners were all a highlight of the trip Very favorable ratio of quality to costVALUE in other words This trip far exceeded our expectations Thank you for such a fun and beautiful weekrdquo ndashDICK AND FRANCES UGORETZ SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA (referred to the tour by guests Ralph and Sandy Mayer-their feedback below)

ldquoAbsolutely Yes we will recommend this tour to our friends and family We were very pleased with the hotel accommodations places visited and variety of activities The people in our group were terrific the gourmet meals were fantastic and we were very appreciative of the care and concern taken to accommodate a variety of interests and preferences This is the most fun and flexible tour we have ever been on Bravo Christy You are a phenomenal host Thanks for an enjoyable time in Provence We felt pampered and cared forrdquo ndashRALPH AND SANDY MAYER SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA

ldquoYes ndash without reservation I would recommend this trip to a friend We will do just that We loved everything about this trip Especially loved the walks and lunches The hotel was outstanding and dinner every night was always amazing Loved the final day because of the quiet villages and gorgeous walk The congenial group enhanced the whole experience and the beloved leaders ndash Christy David Philippe(guide) and (different) Philippe(our driver) ndash made it exceptional Thank you for a beautiful holidayrdquo ndashADAM amp GRETEL CRUM SAN CLEMENTE CA - have Been on 2 otBp tours - Best adventures in provence and Bordeaux harvest tour

ldquoYes ndash We had a great time and enjoyed all aspects of the trip We would recommend for the following reasons ndash The fact that Christy was leading it made it very special Every venue was 1st class The walks were fun the hotel room was just beautiful The itinerary gave a us a taste of southern France ndash we were hoping for that The group was very compatible and that made it a constantly smiling experience You are free to use us as a reference if you desire Thanks for everything this WEEKrdquo ndashFRED AND SHARON HIRSH MD AURORA OH

ldquoYes Absolutely ndash Irsquove planned several European trips with the help of travel books and travel companies And none of those can compare with this trip We would have never found the top notch restaurants that we went to nor would we have been able to fit so much into our time Even our transportation was wonderful Our guides David and Philippe were definitely one of the best highlight of our trip Davidrsquos incredible knowledge along with his sense of humor made every day interesting and very enjoyable We loved Philippersquos gracious welcoming knowledge of the French culture which he joyfully shared and that he assisted us all in every way possible Restaurant choices were top notch Thank you ndash we loved this triprdquo ndashROB AND CAROLE LIVINGSTON LONGMONT COLORADO

ldquoYES ndash the trip is well priced well planned consistently executed the ideal size with exceptional tour guides and none of the excursions were too far away Cooking class was exceptional and I loved the location and learned a lot Loved the walks to balance out the food It is a stunning romantic and beautiful place to visit Finally the tour really provides an opportunity to ldquotaste Provencerdquordquo --ANN YUREK TORONTO CANADA - has Been on 2 otBp tours - Best adventures in provence and Bordeaux harvest tour

ldquoYES Almost everything was beyond my wildest expectations The tour guides were wonderful This was the BEST experience of my life Everything about this itinerary should stay Pierre and his staff at Mas des Carassins went above and beyond to welcome us and to make us feel like we were at home This trip went way beyond our expec-tations I plan on talking to everyone in my circle of friends and talking to them about doing this trip for our next major birthday bash I hope our same guides will still be leading the tour then THANK YOUrdquo --MARY MCCARTHY YORKTOWN VIRGINIA

tO read mOre guest respOnses tO Our questiOn please clicK here tO visit Our blOg

Once yOu bOOK yOur tOur yOur price is guaranteed and Will nOt increase

2018 - provenCe tour dates and priCes

2018 tOUr dates amp price - CliCk here to review the 2018 tour SChedule


Oui Wh a t W e d O-W h a t W e g u a r a n t e e O u r g u e s t sW e g u a r a n t e e s o m e v e r Y s p e c i f i c s e r v i c e s t h a t W e B e l i e v e Y o u a s o u r g u e s t d e s e r v e

bull WE ALSO OFFER VALUE-ADDED SERVICES AND OTHER CHARMING SURPRISES on our tours including complimentary use of (1) Ipad minis (with both 4G and wifi access) and (2) digital point and shoot cameras PLUS enjoy a surprise regional gift on our Provence Tours com-plimentary champagne amp chocolates and a surprise gift in your room on our Loire Valley and Bordeaux Tours and a surprise gift on Champagne Tours

bull WE ENSURE A ldquoSMALL GROUPrdquo REMAINS JUST THAT - A ldquoSMALL GROUPrdquo The group size on each of our tours is a maximum 12-16 guests Many of our trips sell out completely meaning group size is 16 guests (and 12 guests for tours limited to 12 guests maximum per departure) and some trips average 12-14 guests Our experience has been that limiting our group size to 16 guests per tour creates the ideal ambiance for guests to easily mingle and get to know each other yet still maintain their independence We also limit our group size in order to preserve each guestrsquos personalized experience and ensure our famous quality customer service

bull WE INCLUDE ALL BEVERAGES (BOTH ALCOHOLIC amp NON-ALCOHOLIC) IN OUR PROVENCE TOUR PRICES We always include a welcome cocktail on day 1 of each tour plus some additional group meals may include a pre-dinner cocktail in addition to the pre-mium classified and ldquoGrand Crurdquo wines included at all groups meals during each of our tours Of course guests are always free to opt out of any included group meal to try a restaurant cafe or other dining option on their own or simply to enjoy a private dining experience

bull WE ALWAYS PROVIDE GUESTS THE BEST ROOMS AT EVERY HOTEL We always reserve the VERY BEST for our guests Plus there is NEVER any hotel hopping on our tours We select one exclusive luxurious historical establishment for the entire 5 nights of each tour (3 nights on Champagne Tours 4 nights on Dordogne Tours)

bull OUR SCHEDULED WALKS ARE ALWAYS GUIDED We always guide our walks Our guides are experienced and have walked our trails repeatedly each season - even in the off season They are knowledge-able about what each trail has to offer Our guides accompany every walk on every tour where optional and scheduled walks are included And our guides remain with the group during the entirety of each walk We believe your walks with us should always be fun interesting and a time to sit back and enjoy the views along the trail while someone else takes charge and shows you the way We have specially designed all of our trails exclusively to share with our guests

bull WE WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE VAN SUPPORT FOR OUR WALKS In addition to providing guides who accompany each walk on our tours we always provide a support van whose driverrsquos sole responsibility is to meet the group at designated points throughout each walk to provide more refreshments collect any purchases made during visits along our trails and provide a ride to any guest who needs a break

ACTIVITY RATING bull For WALKERS 80 Easy 20 Moderate (rating is based on participation all walks)

bull For NON-WALKERS this trip is rated 100 Easy

cOmfOrt ZOne Designed for the interests of and to appeal to both the Active and

Occasional Walker as well as the non-walker

TOUR BEGINS DAY 1 -- We provide a pick-up at 130 PM at Marseille Airport and

at 4 pm at the Avignon TGV Rail Station in Avignon France

TOUR ENDS DAY 6 -- We provide a drop-off at 9 AM at Marseille Airport and NOON at Avignon TGV

train Station followed by drop-off at Avignon Centre station

EARLIER amp LATER Transfers can be arranged on request Please contact us at

contacttraveloffthebeatenpathcom for additional information and requests

GUEST TESTIMONIALS

ldquoThe cooking classes and hikes were great The photo opportunities and pace of sched-ule and walks were very well planned We really enjoyed that our guide took lots of photos for us to document the trip Thanks againrdquo Richard Leung amp Linda Jan Princeton NJ (Provence Tour)

ldquoThank you for a marvelous trip Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable and we had great fellow guests The cooking classes were a lot of fun and the food was greatrdquo Paul and Fran Biancardi Sydney Australia

(Provence Tour)

ADDITIONAL Provence TOUR INFORMATION

bull UNRIVALED EXPERTISE WITHIN FRANCE AND THE BEST TOUR GUIDES All Off the Beaten Path guides are Americans with dual nationality (American-French citizenship) are multi-lingual and reside in France They also bring a wealth of local information and history to enrich each guestrsquos experience and have been selected for their comprehensive under-standing of French culture You will find that Off the Beaten Path guides are wonderful traveling companions whose knowledge and sense of fun and positive attitude make each day a wonderful experience

bull WHERE DO WE RENDEZVOUS ON DAY 1 OF THE PROVENCE TOURYour OTBP Guide(s) will meet you at the either Marseille Airport OR Avignon TGV train station Avignon France on Day 1 The group pick-up time is 130 pm at Marseille Airport and 400 PM at Avignon TGV station Specific meeting location details will be included in your complete tour information package we send you 30 days prior to the tour

bull WHERE DOES THE PROVENCE TOUR FINISHWe depart the hotel in the morning in order to arrive at Marseille Airport at 9 AM at the Avignon TGV train station at NOON followed by drop-off at Avignon Centre station Earlier and later departures from the hotel can be arranged please contact us for details

bull HOW SHOULD I GO ABOUT MAKING MY TRAVEL PLANSOff the Beaten Path is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans Whether you are looking for a suggestion for a hotel in Paris or assistance with your rail tickets simply contact us at contacttraveloffthebeatenpathcom or call us at 18778462831 for assistance

bull DO I NEED TO BE AN ATHLETE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROVENCE TOURNo However France is a country of walkers Our Provence Tours are designed for active travelers of all backgrounds This tour includes daily options for travelers of varying interests and ability levels There are 3 optional active walks designed for interested guests who enjoy walking and there is daily leisure walking that is suitable for all travelers Our ldquoHidden Gems of Provencerdquo walk takes us through picturesque vineyards and olive orchards at the foot of the Alpilles and is rated easy to moderate-Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis Terrain is country and vineyard trails Our Provence ldquoLes Alpilles village to villagerdquo walk from Les Baux de Provence takes us through picturesque vineyards and olive orchards offering spectacular views of Les Baux valley and the castle and on a clear day one can see all the way to the Mont Ventoux - The walk is rated moderate-Ideal for those who walk more seriously on a regular basis Terrain is country and vine-yard trails Our Provence ldquoLuberon Valley village to villagerdquo walk takes us through picturesque villages vineyards lavender and sunflower fields in the Luberon valley and is rated easy to moderate-Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis Terrain is country and vineyard trails Appropriate walking shoes are recommended for all walks We enjoy the ldquoslow roadrdquo taking in the beautiful scenery of the countryside and local villages daily Non-walkers have alternative activity options available to them each day of the trip Both short and long walking trail options are available for each walk

bull ARE OFF THE BEATEN PATH LLC TOURS IN ENGLISHYes All tours are conducted in English and designed for an English speaking clientele The majority of OTBP Guests come from the USA Australia Canada New Zealand and England Guests have also come from the Caribbean Singapore the Philippines China South Africa Korea and Israel

bull WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED ON MY PROVENCE TOURTours exclude - Airfare to and from the trip Train fare to and from the trip two dinners gratuities to Tour guides and professional driver and any personal purchases

bull WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL I NEED FOR MY TOURAll travelers to France are required to have a valid passport Please make 2 copies of your passport and per-sonal identification before you depart Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart If you are not a US citizen please check with your consulate general for entry requirements

bull WHAT IS THE WEATHER GOING TO BE LIKE IN THE PROVENCEProvence is a very comfortable dry climate and spring (April-May-June) early summer (June July) and early fall (September-mid-October) are the best periods of the year to visit the region April May June September and October day time temperatures in Provence range from the upper 70rsquos- to mid-80rsquos Fahrenheit and very comfortable with evenings being slightly cooler June and July day time temperatures in Provence average in the mid 80rsquos Fahrenheit with evenings being only slightly cooler Typically it is sunny but be prepared with the proper rain gear

bull IS WINE INCLUDED AT MEALS AND IF YES WHAT KIND OF WINES ARE INCLUDED AT MEALSYes wine is included at all scheduled group meals together We expertly match premium wines from the region wersquore visiting with each dish Meals offer an excellent opportunity to try wines from appellations not available to guests at home and to introduce guests to some select wines worth a favorable mention or that are exception-ally appreciated by the locals

bull HOW SHOULD I PACK HOW SHOULD I EXPECT TO DRESS DURING THE TOURPlease limit your luggage to a size that you can easily manage while traveling around France through the airport(s) and on the French rail system Try not to over pack you will not wear all your clothing and laundry service is available at our Provence hotel and in town A suggested packing list will be enclosed in your tour information package Pack comfortable light weight casual clothing Itrsquos vacation and we want our guests to feel and be as comfortable as pos-sible during our daily activities and excursions Our dinners together include a mix of Michelin star and casual bistro style restaurants For men we suggest a business casual ensemble (no tie or jacket necessary unless itrsquos your personal preference) and for women we recommend a casual dress for dinners Please no jeans or gym type sneakers at dinner

bull WHO ARE THE PROVENCE TOURS DESIGNED FOROur Provence Tours are designed for discerning travelers of all ages and backgrounds from the seasoned traveler and independent traveler to the first time traveler to France Join any one of the our tours as a solo traveler a couple a small group of friends or family or bring your entire travel club affinity group womenrsquos organization or wine society NO CULINARY HISTORY OR OTHER TYPE OF EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY Join us for the vacation of a lifetime to discover the Best of the Provence as an insider and make new friends along the way

bull DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERT TO TAKE YOUR PROVENCE TOURNot at all The idea is to learn about French culture traditions wine daily life artisan lives and culinary practices in a fun and relaxing environment Our tours offer great learning opportunities for everyone Off the Beaten Path guides are very skilled at adapting their discussions to the general level of knowledge of the group providing good introductory information for novices and more advanced discussions for those who have more experience or a specialty interest Itrsquos vacation and our tours are all about having fun enjoying new experiences and being active

bull HOW ARE THE PROVENCE TOURS STRUCTUREDHaving over 22 years experience in the tour industry specifically with small group touring we have found that our guests are generally more interested in active experiences culture people to people experiences and guided tours of museums and sites Our guests like to visit private homes and pursue their hobbies when they travel Our guests enjoy being able to shop locally for items such as collectibles art and local products Our guests tend to do more homework and want a meatier trip but also want to enjoy down time or leisure time to explore independently All of our trips are designed based on these factors Each trip offers organized activities and excursions daily combined with periods of leisure time each day Our tours encourage individual approach and pursuit of your interests as well as introducing you to new experiences and people during each trip

We stay at 1 PREMIERE INN during our best adventures in prOvence Tours

There is NEVER ANY HOTEL HOPPING on any Tours mdash ALL are home-based mdash we stay at 1 hotel for the entire tourour provenCe tour hoteL ChoiCes are voted Best Boutique hoteLs in st remy de provenCe

Daily Breakfast Enjoy a traditional French breakfast each morning during our Provence Tours before we head out for a day of fun excursions Breakfast on our Provence Tours features all of the traditional French goodies including a combination of the following mdash croissants pain au chocolat (chocolate croissants) pain au raisins (raisin croissants) fresh baguette breads an assortiment of breakfast breads fresh fruit salad yoghurt a variety of cereals to choose from plus French cheese fresh fruit juice and hot beverages such as coffee tea and hot chocolate Please note that on some occasions some items may not be available

sumptuOus gOurmet meals prOvenccedilal style during every trip

Hotel GounodThere is NO HOTEL HOPPING on any Tours mdash ALL are home-based mdash

Guests stay at 1 Premiere Inn for the entire tour Recommended by Conde Nast Travel ler

Our Provence Tour hotel has been voted BEST boutique hotel in St Remy de Provence

Gounod Hotel has a perfect and quaint location in the heart of historic St Remy de Provence town and is the most historical hotel in town having hosted some of the most famous personalities in Provence history Under new ownership by Off the Beaten Path owner Christy Destremaursquos friend Karine since November 2014 the hotel under-went a complete renovation Our Best Adventures in Provence Tour guests are going to love and be spoiled by all the upgrades and amenities This is ldquoTHErdquo place to stay in St Remy and we are excited to share this paradise with our guests

The Gounod has hosted artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Freacutedeacuteric Mistral as well as composer Charles Gounod himself in 1863 who composed the famous opera ldquoMireillerdquo during his stay here Having hosted such distinguished celebrities the hotel serves as the perfect backdrop for our Best Adventures in Provencereg Walking and Foodie Tour Step out the front door of the hotel to find yourself immediately in the townrsquos historical

pedestrian streets Some of the arearsquos most prized art studios and galleries artisan shops cafes and much more are just steps away Pop into a local cafeacute to people watch while sipping a glass of local wine or while enjoying a buttery French pastry For some quiet and relaxation time enjoy a glass of wine beer or tea in the beautiful and tranquil hotel gardens a swim in the beautiful new pool or enjoy a tea in the hotelrsquos quaint and cozy tea salon Hotel management is always present happy to help guests and answer any questions

ABOUT THE ROOMS mdash The hotelrsquos spacious and newly renovated guest rooms are uniquely furnished with luxury linens and toiletry products Because the hotel has been completely renovated styled to reflect the history and culture of the Provence region and is also a historical building no two rooms are alike in size decoration or furnishings ALL rooms feature air-conditioning and are equipped with

European king and queen size beds (or two single beds on request) and private en-suite bathrooms Rooms also feature a hairdryer flat screen television individual safe telephone and FREE WIFI Complimentary use of an iPad with WIFI access is also available for guest use compliments of Off the Beaten Path LLC -- ask your guides for details Like many countryside hotels Hotel Gounod is not equipped with an elevator

Like many hotels in France Hotel Gounod exercises eco-friendly practices and a memo explaining these eco-friendly practices can be found in each guest room For example ndash guests preferring to have their bath towels changed daily are kindly requested to place used towels on the bathroom floor and guests who wish to re-use their bath towels are kindly requested to hang them on the towel racks

GOURMET DINING AT ITS FINEST mdash While staying at Gounod Hotel during our Best Adventures in Provence Tour guests enjoy a mix of gourmet dining experiences reflec-

tive of Provence including our favorite Michelin-rated restaurants a celebrity bistrot a traditional French tasting picnic and a cooking class dinner Savor vegetable rich Italian influenced gourmet southern French cuisine throughout the tour

Our cOmmitment tO ensuring inspiring itineraries exceptiOnal quality and excellent valuebull ITINERARIES ARE DESIGNED TO SHARE THE VERY BEST OF EACH REGION ndashProvence Loire Valley Bordeaux wine country Champagne and Dordognendash

including luxurious and boutique hotel accommodations that reflect the heart amp soul of each region and offer complete modern amenities spectacular theme walks

both Michelin-star gourmet and bistro style dining at the best restaurants of each region cooking classes at the homes andor private workshops of Michelin-star and

Master Chefs who are personal friends and who welcome OTBP guests to their homes and professional kitchens as a group of friends visits to local artisan workshops

shopping at the finest craft markets hot air ballooning and much more

bull ALL TOURS ARE RUN BY OTBP The company does NOT subcontract any of its tours Many OTBP tours are owner led and those that arenrsquot owner led are led by

guides who work exclusively for OTBP and who have been hand-picked by Christy based on her very strict criteria

bull NO HIDDEN FEES - Since all OTBP tour guides reside in France we do NOT have to incorporate any international transportation and lodging costs for tour guides

into our tour prices This means we pass on even greater savings to you and can guarantee our OTBP luxurious quality tour experiences at even more competitive prices

and better value prices

bull ALL WINES INCLUDED - Classified regional wines and non-alcoholic beverages are included at all group meals

bull MOST MEALS INCLUDED - Group lunches and dinners are comprised of a combination of set menus exclusively elaborated for our groups that reflect the cuisine of

the region ordering off the menu and indulging in select gourmet menus that feature a Chefrsquos local andor seasonal specialties We are constantly told that our restaurant

selections are one of many highlights of our tours We are also happy to accommodate vegetarians vegans gluten allergies and other special dietary requests and needs

bull ESTABLISHED PROPRIETARY RELATIONSHIPShellip with all wineries chefs restaurants service providers and bistros on each tour based on both its exclusive and

privileged network of contacts and French friends and its outstanding reputation throughout France All chefs restaurants and bistrots selected for OTBP tours are

Michelin-star andor have been featuredrecommended by top ldquofoodierdquo magazines andor fellow Michelin-star Chefs OTBP tours feature dining in both gourmet res-

taurants and favorite hide-a-ways

bull NEGOTIATED THE BEST RATES WITH ITS FRENCH PARTNERS to ensure the best active luxury and authentic French experience again at the best value tour prices

bull THE LOWEST SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS in the France tour industry thanks to estab-

lished relationships with partner hotels Our single supplement fees cover exact hotel sin-

gle occupancy fees charged We do NOT charge a single supplement for profit NEVER

bull FEATURING TRUE SMALL GROUP TRAVEL The maximum group size on OTBP

tours is 16 guests per tour date and 12 guests on specialty tours Limiting group sizes cre-

ates the ideal ambiance for guests to easily mingle and get to know other guests yet still

maintain their independence OTBP also limits its groups to a maximum of 16 guests per

tour date in order to preserve each guestrsquos personalized experience and ensure its famous

quality customer service

bull Book your tour today to lock-in and guarantee your tour price Once your tour is booked

your tour price is guaranteed and will NOT increase Otherwise prices are subject to

change without notice

One of the most flattering questions that we have ever been asked as a tour company came on a September Tour from our guest Dennis Gelner Dennis and his wife Pat traveled on 2 back to back tours with us

Dennis question one afternoon was

WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONSIT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER EVERY DAY

Thanks Dennis for such a flattering question and Pats and your ever so flattering trip comments We love receiving feedback and hearing about how guests have enjoyed their tour(s) Whether joining one of our Provence Tours Loire Valley Tours or Bordeaux Tours our dedication and focus to providing the best ever authentic France travel experi-ences during each of our small group tours is paramount

WE STRIVE TO EXCEED GUEST EXPECTATIONS EVERY TRIP

wersquove recently JOined trUstpilOt an independent review website - Check out candid tour reviews from tour guests TRUSTPILOT NEWEST REVIEWS

NOT JUST A TOUR ITrsquoS AN AUTHENTIC OFF THE BEATEN PATH French ExperienceUnrivaled expertise within France sets Off the Beaten Path LLC a part from non-France based and multi-destination tour companies Off the Beaten Path LLC (OTBP) is American owned and operated (scroll down to read more about the owner) In 2017 the company celebrates 23 years delivering engaging small group walking gourmet foodie wine and cultural tours exclusively in France OTBP active small group France tours offer travelers the very BEST and most inspiring and exclusive itineraries filled with cultural ldquoinsiderrdquo experiences to discover Provence Loire Valley Bordeaux and Champagne France unlike any other tour company itinerary can

Come enjoy exceptional quality and excellent value on an OTBP small group tour today Travelers and publications alike rate Off the Beaten Path Tours the BEST active small group tours in France thanks to the unparalleled ldquoinsiderrdquo experiences included in each tour itinerary The companyrsquos renowned ldquoinsiderrdquo relationships with local French chefs artisans and cultural industry professionals puts Off the Beaten Path far ahead of the competition when it comes to creating one-of-a-kind itineraries to experience the very BEST of France Whether yoursquore a seasoned small group tour traveler or new to the small group tour scene Off the Beaten Path tours offer fun enriching interactive local and authentic French experiences and activities for everyone

FEEL Welcome AND AT HOME WITH OUR French FRIENDS ON EVERY TOURMore than just a tour Off the Beaten Path transforms the entire guest experience into a personalized and exclusive ldquounparalleledrdquo active cultural affair that far exceeds guest expectations every time We connect guests with lifelong French friends who rank among Francersquos top rated chefs specialty artisans artists wine producers hotel amp castle owners and entertainers

Expert Professional English speaking guides who live in France inspiring itineraries deluxe historical hotel accommodations sumptuous French meals classified regional wines and comfortable transportation in private spacious professionally driven vehicles are immutable standards on every Off the Beaten Path Tour Each tour itinerary is comprised of a variety of engaging activities and enriching experiences for guests to authentically discover the heart and soul of each region Participate in cooking classes with our friends who are celebrity Master Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Michelin-star chefs and who look forward to your arrival and make you feel welcome in their family homes professional kitchens and workshops as a group of friends

Shop at weekly village markets where OTBP tour guides introduce you to local French friends who are olive oil and wine producers artists cheese-makers herb and spice vendors craftsmen perfumery and linen artisans and designers Walk the same countryside and vineyard trails that local French do with their families Enjoy the slow road scenery that comes with walking the local country trails through vineyards flower fields of lavender poppies and sunflowers olive and fruit orchards and small historic villages Tour castles pre-his-toric caves and other historical monuments and sites with our knowledgeable professional UNESCO award winning guides Dine in the same gourmet restaurants and bistros as local French do mdash where the Michelin-star Meilleur Ouvrier de France and Master chefs are our personal friends and set aside a special table uniquely to welcome our guests Plus built in leisure time provides guests opportunities to pursue independent interests and activities or to just break away from the group for some quiet or personal time

Every OTBP tour offers daily options with varying levels of activeness to choose from Guests always have the flexibility of deciding how each day unfolds OTBP tour guides sit down with the group every day to discuss the activities excursions walks local events and options of the day With so many options available during each tour the company ensures guests the flexibility to be as active as one chooses (more walking less walk-ing shopping time cultural discovery people watching photography etc) and to also enjoy leisure time to pursue independent interests all while enjoying the perks of traveling in a small group OTBP tour guides take care and manage the daily logis-tics and details while you our guest spend your time on the important stuff mdash having fun relaxing and enjoying your vacation your way The idea behind each OTBP tour is to appeal to the discerning traveler of all ages and backgrounds who seeks some-thing new and different and who wants to reach out and discover something inspiring

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttpswwwtraveloffthebeatenpathcom

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

bull Off the Beaten Path LLC is an American owned and operated company licensed and bonded to protect your vacation investment

bull Off the Beaten Path LLC holds a website identity assurance warranty of $100000 Travelers are insured for up to $100000 per tour reservation booking when relying on the information provided by GeoTrust IdAuthor-ity (Equifax Secure Certificate Authority) on our website

Off the Beaten Path LLCEMAIL contacttraveloffthebeatenpathcom

Telephone 18778462831Reservation Office amp Mailing Address 749 Grandview Rd York PA 17403 USA

Branch Office Saint Remy de Provence

ExpEriEncE inspiring itinErariEs - ExcEptional Quality - ExcEllEnt ValuE

Off the Beaten Path France Tours are Recommended by Best Sell-ing Author PJ Adams as her TOUR OF CHOICE to Discover the Provence Region Traveling on an Off the Beaten Path small group cultural walking and foodie tour provides exceptional and privileged insider experiences at unparalleled value that multi-destination and other France tour companies cannot match

- FRANCE OFF THE BEATEN PATH has recently partnered with trUstpilOt an independent review website to collect ldquoindependentrdquo traveler reviews about our tours of Provence Loire Valley Bordeaux and Champagne


bull Our sole focus and specialty is and always has been dedicated to small group travel in France ndash We KnoW FRANCE Bestbull In 2018 we celebrate 24 years experience leading tours exclusively in France

bull Our exclusive relationships with every one of our vendors in France makes these tours truly the trip of a lifetime

bull The most popular small group tours in France we include ldquoinsiderrdquo experiences that other tour companies cannot offer

bull Our tours sell out year after year thanks to our exclusive benefits exceptional quality and excellent value

bull We are proud to be named travelers 1 choice for group travel for two decades

Book one of our small group tours today to discover for yourself why our exclusive France tours have been named travelers 1

chOice fOr grOUp travel fOr twO decades WEBSITE - httpswwwtraveloffthebeatenpathcom























































BreaKFast











Provence


BreaKFast






































THEIR RESPONSES































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)







































































































































BreaKFast











Provence


BreaKFast






































THEIR RESPONSES































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)
























































































Provence


BreaKFast






































THEIR RESPONSES































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)


















































































BreaKFast






































THEIR RESPONSES































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)


















































































































THEIR RESPONSES































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)






































































































GUEST TESTIMONIALS



(Provence Tour)

















































































best adventures in provence tour ... - best france · pdf filetrveller us toy te ... was warm...

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